It provides for salary increases based on rank and tenure ranging from 3 to 4 percent the first year and 4 to 5 percent in years two and three of the agreement. The average yearly base salary across the bargaining unit will rise from $59,400 to $67,500 over the contract life, said AFT President John Dziak.

The pact also addressed a range of workplace issues from assessment of student learning and distance education standards to extra pay for faculty who take on additional teaching and other duties.

Both sides called the pact a significant step forward. "The negotiations were difficult, but they were amicable," CCAC President Alex Johnson said.

Seventy-eight percent of the union's membership voted for the agreement on July 18.